Creation of Sensory Room praised

Tipp All-Ireland winners attend Newport event

There was an abundance of praise for all who engaged in the creation of a new Sensory Room and Garden at the official opening which marked the completion of more than three years of design, planning and work to achieve completion.

Disability rights campaigner, Cara Dermody, told the gathering at the Community Centre, Newport: “A huge congratulations to the Newport Development Association and the incredible people of this area for the amazing achievement of this Sensory Room and Garden.”

Hundreds turned out for the event, which was the highlight of the Community Fun Day, but the promising sunshine in early afternoon gave way to weeping clouds delivering lashing rain which forced the cancellation of some of the outdoor side attractions which had been programmed for the afternoon.

The attendance included Deputy Alan Kelly, Cllr John Carroll, Chairman of Tipperary County Council, Cllr Fiona Bonfield, Board of Newport Development Association, Caroline Shanahan and Pat Killeen, North Tipperary Development Company (LEADER) and Mary Catherine Cussen, secretary, Newport Development Association.

Rev Fr Joe Delaney, AP, performed the blessing of the new development assisted by Rev Fr John O'Keeffe, PP, prior to the cutting of the tape jointly by Cara Darmody, Liam Cahill, manager Tipperary Senior Hurling Champions and Sam O'Farrell, who captained the Tipperary U20 team to All-Ireland Champions earlier this year as well as starred in the county’s senior success over Cork.

MC for the official ceremony, Donal Meaney, chairman, Development Association said that he hoped that the new Sensory Room “will help in many ways to help people to relax, to help parents to relax”. He thanked all who were associated with the work of creating the facility for the benefit of the whole community and in particular those who had supported the work by contributing financially and the members of the board of the Community Centre for their dedication.

DISABILITY RIGHTS CAMPAIGNER

Fourteen-year-old disability rights campaigner, Cara Dermody (Tipperary), said that she was honoured to be present for the official opening of the Sensory Room and thanked everyone for the welcome she had received.

“One thing that I can say to you all here today is you will never, ever, regret inclusion. The GAA motto is ‘where we all belong’ and that motto should be used by everyone, everywhere because it is so important that everybody belongs here, and this Sensory Room and Garden is a symbol of real inclusion. I am so proud of Newport and all of the amazing people that were involved in this project and it is successful because the people put in the effort to do this project and to do something right. Service to others is the wealth we pay for our room in heaven.

“My advice to you all today is don't be afraid. Government funding is nearly always there but we just need the drive and the determination to get it. Well done on this amazing Sensory Room and Garden and best wishes to everyone here in Newport.”

Tipperary Senior Hurling Manager, Liam Cahill, said that there was an incredible sense of community evident in what had been achieved and it was great credit to all involved.

In a message to the young boys and girls present he said: “We have had a marvellous year at Under 20 and Senior level in Tipperary and the underage at Minor level over the past couple of years and what a privilege it is to have members of the U20 team here today and their captain, Sam O'Farrell, a real inspirational leader.

“In four- or five-years’ time some of you here today could be in the position of Sam and you can take inspiration from that. Aim for the stars and never stop dreaming about where you want to go and keep chasing that right to the end. It is amazing what can be achieved when everyone pulls together to bring silverware back to Tipperary and lift the hearts of everybody.”

Cllr Fiona Bonfield and Marie Tuohey also spoke, and presentations were made to Cara Darmody and Mary Catherine Cussen, while Liam Cahill spent more than an hour being photographed with young GAA enthusiasts and the Liam MacCarthy Cup.